August 25/98 6:33 am - Midweek Results, B.C. News, Ireland Results

Although the riders were treated to a great display of lightning, the rain held off on this hot, dry evening and 21 competitors rolled around the first four laps at a veritable snail's pace. The heavy atmosphere and the very strong northwest wind had a lot to do with this, as did the organizers insrtuctiions to stay together for the first four laps.

The speed didn't pick up much until the first of a series of five primes was thrown in to stir things up. Alex Estavez, Racer Sportif took this easily and also crossed the line first in the next prime with five laps to go. Coaches Mike Ybanez and Jeff Archbold from Evian Mississauga and team leader Stirling McArthur, Re-My sport did a fine job of marshalling their respective teams' efforts and the bunch held together, despite a number of breakaway attempts.

Ybanez provided good leadouts for, first Walter Grabovac, Re-My Sport and then newcomer Anton Kopuliachev, Racer Sportif to take the next two sprints, with Alex Estavez, Racer Sportif taking the last of the primes at two laps to go. By now the pace was up to well over 40 kph and yet, the pack still hung together into the last lap. Even here, although the bunch spread out somewhat all but four of the starters had the same finishing time, with Kouliachev surprising everyone by winning handily from Veteran B, Dave Pinder, with Marshall Francis grabbing third spot.

Special mention should go to Tina Mayberry who was very active throughout the race and did much of the pulling. Thanks to our two rider coaches who have given up their rest day for several weeks to teach the novices many valuable riding skills.

The 2nd Annual Dave Lyman Mountain Bike Festival is coming up Sunday September 6th. Located at Belcarra Regional Park in Port Moody, BC, this years event should prove to be bigger and better. Some of the events we will be staging this year include, Cycling BC sanctioned Mountain bike races for all ages and abilities on some of the best trails in the Vancouver area. Upgrading points are available for licensed racers, and unlicensed riders are welcome to challenge in one of the Citizens categories.

CPTA Trials Series, Event #5, for those unfamiliar with this type of competition, its like obstacle course riding on steroids. Its amazing the terrain these riders traverse. Smash the Lada Pinata, a bike toss event (don't worry somebody else's bike not yours) and a flat fixing time trial. There will also be food, drinks, and prizes for volunteers and racers alike, with a trail maintenance day and barbeque on Saturday, August 29th. Cycling BC members are eligible for upgrading points for trail maintenance as well.

The purpose of the festival is to raise awareness and money for cycling advocacy and honour the memory of Dave Lyman. Dave was killed by a motorist on September 3rd, 1996 while cycling home from work. He gave an incredible amount of time and energy to the cycling community. At the time of his death, he was Vice-President of the mountain bike sector of Cycling BC, and one of only two people in BC with a National Level Commissar license. Dave also spent many hours building and repairing trails for others to enjoy. Anyone who rides a mountain bike off-road in BC has probably benefited in some way from his efforts.

This festival is a positive way to promote cycling and raise awareness for the need to improve facilities for cyclists on the road. Money generated will benefit local cycling organizations efforts to advocate for improvements.

If you can help out, or would like further information, call Robin Lyman at 937-DAVE, or Dale Ewanchook at 215-TOAD, or e-mail Mark DalSanto at scoobydoo@bc.sympatico.ca. For information on the CPTA trials event call 261-7712.

Wedding Confirmation

It is official - the mother of the groom has confirmed that Michael Barry and Dede Demet will be getting married in late November. The guests will throw spoke nipples instead of confetti... Congratulations to Michael and Dede.